A senior UN official has warned the Security Council that the security situation in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan has worsened sharply in the last six months.
A senior UN official warned the Security Council on Thursday that the security situation in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan has worsened sharply in the last six months.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO), told Council members that the political environment in Abyei remains deeply affected by the war in Sudan and instability in South Sudan.
"This situation has limited progress by the two countries towards resolving their dispute over the management of the Abyei territory and its final status," Pobee said.
Pobee added that security environment in Abyei has deteriorated in the past six months, mostly due to criminality, weapons proliferation and the presence of unauthorised armed actors, "which have combined to create a complex and volatile threat environment."
Deaths and injuries reported
Pobee said the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, commonly known as UNISFA, recorded 196 security incidents resulting in 58 deaths and 69 injuries. She added that the figures represent a "significant increase" compared to the previous reporting period and a moderate rise compared with the same dry season last year.
She also stressed the “urgent need” to appoint a deputy civilian head of mission for UNISFA, amid mounting operational challenges.
Despite the worsening conditions, Pobee said UNISFA has continued to engage local communities, carry out patrols and maintain rapid response operations aimed at protecting civilians and preventing violence.
"Abyei remains at a critical juncture. UNISFA continues to protect civilians and prevent escalation, but it cannot be a substitute for political resolve," she said.
Demilitarised status
Pobee called for the resumption of mechanisms between the two countries, the withdrawal of unauthorised forces and the establishment of an Abyei police service.
She also appealed for renewed backing from the African Union and the wider international community.
She said continued engagement by the Security Council would remain essential to preserving Abyei’s demilitarised status and advancing a lasting political settlement.
The UNISFA was deployed in 2011 after tensions escalated in the oil-rich area.
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